Vladimir Putin engaged in marathon overnight discussions with US President Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, focusing on a potential settlement regarding Ukraine. Simultaneously, Putin directed a new, nearly-recording-setting wave of missile strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. As Ukraine’s foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba criticized the attack on Kyiv, describing it as a “cynical” act. Just as delegations from Ukraine, Russia and the United States convened in Abu Dhabi, unprecedented strikes erupted all over Ukraine. Specifically, they were there for Washington-brokered intra-Afghan peace negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy denounced the Russian attacks on Saturday. These attacks resulted in the death of at least one person and over 23 injuries. He pointed to the power of the recent strikes. They underscored the imperative to quickly deliver on the air defense agreements outlined with Donald Trump during meetings at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this week. These recent developments underscore the stark reality of continuing challenges facing peace efforts, in what has become an intractable conflict nearly four years in duration.
This last Russian attack included firing over 375 drones and 21 missiles at key energy infrastructure all over Ukraine. These attacks destroyed power and heating services for much of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. According to Tymur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv City Military Administration, there was one death due to drone strikes in Kyiv. Moreover, four civilians were injured in the assaults. In Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv, drone strikes caused at least 19 people to be injured according to Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov.
In response to the escalating violence, Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, expressed outrage over Putin’s actions. He stated, “Cynically, Putin ordered a brutal massive missile strike against Ukraine right while delegations are meeting in Abu Dhabi to advance the America-led peace process. His missiles struck our people, but they struck the negotiation table.
With the attacks already in progress, President Zelenskiy’s hands were tied. He confirmed that senior members of Ukraine’s armed forces and military intelligence would participate in the now-ongoing discussions in Abu Dhabi. The UAE’s foreign ministry is facilitating these discussions, emphasizing efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.”
“Peace efforts? Trilateral meeting in the UAE? Diplomacy? For Ukrainians, this was another night of Russian terror.”
Though the war has taken a dire toll on the ground, diplomats and leaders from around the world are still seeking solutions. The UAE’s participation highlights its recent role as a mediator trying to de-escalate regional tensions. Those negotiations in Abu Dhabi were a pivotal moment for us all. They are all struggling under the weight of the burden created by the ongoing state of hostilities.
Ukrainian officials continue to assert that moving troops during this crucial and fragile moment underscores Putin’s complete lack of respect for the diplomatic process. Sybiha asserted, “This barbaric attack once again proves that Putin’s place is not at the board of peace, but at the dock of the special tribunal.”
Negotiations continue in Abu Dhabi. The international community is following closely, hopeful that tangible gains can be made but concerned that these will be reversed by escalating violence. The attacks have already prompted calls for enhanced military assistance to Ukraine. Most of the attention is on the air defense systems that were recently pledged in last week’s talks.
Along with all of these strides, US President Donald Trump’s administration has continued to exert strong influence to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. The conversations that occurred at the World Economic Forum have been key in developing strategies in this regard going forward.
Negotiators are preparing for potentially their last day of negotiations in the UAE. Yet the violence raging around them brutally underscores the odds stacked against making any progress toward a peaceful resolution. Current outlook The situation is still very much in flux as both the diplomatic and military fronts continue to rapidly develop.